Search
Knowledgebase

Topic Contents

Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) for Bed-Wetting

Examples

Generic Name

Brand Name

desipramine

Norpramin

imipramine

Tofranil

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) come in tablet form and
are usually taken in the evening. They are sometimes taken midafternoon and at
bedtime to help prevent accidental wetting that occurs early in the
night.

How It Works

The exact way that TCAs help reduce
bed-wetting is not known. They may affect the muscles
of the
bladder, or they may have some effect on the hormone
that causes the kidneys to release urine (antidiuretic hormone). They may work by causing the child to sleep more
lightly.

Why It Is Used

TCAs may help decrease bed-wetting
for short periods of time for children 6 years and older. These medicines most
often are used with another form of treatment such as praise and encouragement
(motivational therapy).

How Well It Works

Both desipramine and imipramine
have been shown to reduce the number of wet nights and help children have 14
dry nights in a row.footnote 1

Imipramine helps temporarily reduce the number of wet nights in less than half of the
children who take it. After they stop taking the medicine, most of those children will wet the bed again.footnote 2

Side Effects

All medicines have side effects. But many people don't feel the side effects, or they are able to deal with them. Ask your pharmacist about the side effects of each medicine your child takes. Side effects are also listed in the information that comes with the medicine.

Here are some important things to think about:

Usually the benefits of the medicine are more important than any minor side effects.

Side effects may go away after your child takes the medicine for a while.

If side effects still bother your child and you wonder if he or she should keep taking the medicine, call your doctor. He or she may be able to lower the dose or change the medicine. Do not suddenly have your child quit taking the medicine unless your doctor says so.

Call 911 or other emergency services right away if your child has:

Trouble breathing.

Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call the doctor right away if your child has:

Hives.

Thoughts of suicide and/or personality changes.

Agitation and restlessness.

Seizures.

Fast heartbeat.

Nausea and vomiting.

Common side effects of this medicine include:

Dry mouth.

Feeling dizzy.

Feeling drowsy.

Headache.

Weight gain.

Constipation.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an advisory on antidepressant medicines and the risk of suicide. Talk to your doctor about these possible side effects and the warning signs of suicide.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug
Reference is not available in all systems.)

What To Think About

Never have your child suddenly stop taking TCAs. The use of these medicines should be tapered off slowly and only under the supervision of a doctor. Abruptly stopping these medicines can cause negative side effects.

TCAs are not recommended for long-term treatment
of accidental wetting. Some children get worse the longer they take
TCAs. The reason for this is not known.

If a child takes a larger dose (accidental overdose), death
could occur. A child who has taken an overdose of a TCA may have:

A very fast
heartbeat.

Seizures.

Coma (cannot be
awakened).

Low blood pressure.

Taking medicine

Medicine is one of the many tools your doctor has to treat a health problem. If your child takes medicine as your doctor suggests, it will improve your child's health and may prevent future problems. If your child doesn't take the medicines properly, his or her health (and perhaps life) may be at risk.

There are many reasons why people have trouble taking their medicine. But in most cases, there is something you can do. For suggestions on how to work around common problems, see the topic Taking Medicines as Prescribed.

Checkups

Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use.
How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.